Toyota Highlander vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space with clever storage solutions for gadgets and snacks, making it a practical choice for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension, providing a blend of luxury and sportiness.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a more rugged and square design, consistent with Toyota's new SUV lineup. Available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, the RAV4 PHEV offered trims like the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements such as red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a streamlined design with a focus on practicality, offering features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Highlander offered various drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, as well as AWD modes like Mud/Sand and Rock. With a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms and a max payload of 775 kilograms, the Highlander was versatile for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, on the other hand, featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with a total power output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV's larger 22.7-kwh battery pack provided an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. The RAV4 PHEV offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. With a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds, the RAV4 PHEV delivered a spirited ride while maintaining comfort and structural rigidity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it provided 453 litres of cargo space. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, featuring deep door pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain's chairs for added comfort. While the third row was less spacious for adults, it was suitable for short trips.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage solutions. It offered 951 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 PHEV's interior featured clever storage options, such as multiple shelves and deep door pockets, while the passenger space remained comfortable for four adults. The panoramic sunroof, available on higher trims, slightly reduced headroom.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it lacked wireless connectivity, the system was user-friendly with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports, while a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and premium JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced the user experience with improved graphics and responsiveness. The RAV4 PHEV also included a subscription-based Voice Assistant and the ability to locate chargers along the route.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including features like forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags as standard. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4 PHEV also featured a safe exit alert and an enhanced rearview camera. While crash-testing results were pending, the RAV4's safety record was expected to remain strong.